Engaging Faith

I love creating screencasts. After I did it once, I realized how easy it can be. A screencast is a video recording of someone's computer screen with an audio recording of someone's voice. With free programs/apps like Screenr, Screecast-o-matic, and Screncastle, teachers can make very creative recordings for their students. How can teachers integrate screencasts into their instruction? 1. Explain Homework Assignments by Video Have you ever had a student completely misunderstand a homework assignment or come into class with their homework incomplete because they "didn't get it." I have. It drove me crazy. Pull up the assignment on your computer screen. Hook up a microphone if your computer doesn't have one. Record a clear explanation of the homework assignment and show students how to complete it on the screen. Post it to YouTube (its free) or Vimeo (free too) and if you have a webpage, wiki, or Moodle page, post it there. Parents will definitely appreciate an in-depth explanation of the homework assignment. 2. Supplement Your Lectures Online Do you ever feel like you don't have enough time to teach everything? Create short videos to explain concepts you weren't able to cover in class and require students to watch them. Engage them in a discussion about it in class and clarify things that were a bit unclear. This saves time in class for critical thinking and creative discussion. 3. Answer Frequently Asked Questions with a Screencast Do you find yourself answering the same questions over and over again, year after year? Take your best answers to these questions, create a simple screencast to share the answer. When the question comes up in class, point them to the video, show it in class, or expand on the recording in person. 4. Digital Story-Telling The most powerful way to express an idea is to use stories, not just facts. Create or summarize a story using images and an audio reading. If you are a mac person, you could also use iMovie and give your stories a little Ken Burns effect. 5. Student-Created Screencasts If the students have the technology at home or if you can get them access to it at school, have them create screencasts as assessments, class prayers, and questions about assignments. A Simple Way to Make a Screencast In the screencast below, I simiply summarize the five tips written above using PowerPoint and Screenr. I am recording just one slide with five images. It took me 20 minutes to create and 10 minutes to record and upload to YouTube. The Master Screencaster: Salman Khan Just for fun, let's take a look at the master screencaster, Salman Khan from Khan Academy. He is being called a revolutionary for his educational videos. You can be revolutionary too. Create some screencasts.

Religion class can be a place for memorable and formative discussions, and course grades often include class participation. However, students of a certain temperament might be at a disadvantage in this situation unless teachers recognize, appreciate, and foster their unique skill set. These students are introverts. Characteristics of Introversion Introversion and extraversion are different temperaments. Generally, introverts expend energy in social situations and must spend time alone to recharge. Extraverts gain energy from being social. Introverts may be misunderstood as aloof or shy, but these are not qualities of introversion. Introverts have a rich inner life. "Still waters run deep." They may not make small talk, but may be able to speak at length about topics that interest them. Introverts value a few close and nurturing friendships; they like being with people, but also enjoy time alone. Evidence shows extraverts and introverts think differently. Introverts process information in a deep and integrated way. This means they are more reflective and deliberate when communicating thoughts. Introverted Students in the Classroom About 25 percent of people are naturally introverted, and studies show the likelihood of introversion increases with IQ (Silverman 1986). In class, “the introvert is comfortable when allowed to observe and uncomfortable when pressured to perform.” He may prefer to work independently or in small groups. During discussion, extraverts may contribute readily while introverts seem disinterested. In reality, introverts are likely involved in observing and processing information. “We should be aware,” says Dr. Tami Isaacs, that the student sitting in the back may be an interested introvert and not an unmotivated student.” When gently invited to participate in discussion, introverts can offer valuable insights. Inviting Introverted Students into the Discussion To help introverts flourish in class discussions: Assign material for an upcoming discussion in advance. Pause after asking a question. Several seconds of silence may encourage introverted students to answer. Notice whether extraverted students are dominating discussion. At a crucial point in discussion, have students pause to write their thoughts. Resume discussion by first calling on students, then taking volunteers. Make eye contact with quieter students during discussion. Notice posture and facial expressions, which may indicate their level of engagement. Notify a student that you will invite them to comment on a specific thing in several minutes. The student has time to prepare without feeling pressured. Design rotations for responses so students can expect to answer without feeling singled out. Discuss introverted students’ interests with them one-on-one outside of class. They may be encouraged to contribute in the classroom. Consider what a class participation grade can include besides vocal participation? Sources Isaacs, Dr. Tami. “Introverted Students in the Classroom: How to Bring Out Their Best.” Faculty Focus. July 27, 2009. http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-and-learning/introverted-students-in-the-classroom-how-to-bring-out-their-best/ CarlKingCreative. “10 Myths About Introverts.” www.carlkingcreative.com/10-myths-about-introverts. Laney, Dr. Marti Olsen. "The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World." Workingman Perhaps you don’t have time to consider all these questions in depth. Feel free to focus on one or two you feel are most important. Journal about them, pray about them, discuss them with colleagues, and keep them in mind in preparation for next year. Best wishes on a productive start to the school year! Barbara Jane Sloan Holy Spirit Preparatory School Atlanta, GA

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